How to Recognize Elder Abuse

By: Elder Abuse Prevention

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE:

• Cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds
• Bruises, welts, discoloration
• Any injury incompatible with history
• An injury which has not been properly cared for. (Injuries are sometimes hidden on areas of the body normally covered by clothing.)
• Poor skin condition or poor skin hygiene
• Absence of hair and/or hemorrhaging below scalp
• Dehydratrion and/or malnourishment without illness-related cause
• Loss of weight
• Burns: may be caused by cigarettes, caustics, acids, friction from ropes or chains, or contact with other objects
• Soiled clothing or bedLI>

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND/OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

• Helplessness
• Hesitation to talk openly
• Implausible stories
• Confusion or disorientation
• Anger
• Fear
• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Denial
• Agitation

POSSIBLE INDICATORS OF FINANCIAL ABUSE:

• Unusual or inappropriate activity in bank accounts
• Power of attorney given or recent changes of will when the person is incapable of making such decisions
• Unusual concern by caregiver that an excessive amount of money is being expended on the care of the older person
• Numerous unpaid bills, overdue rent, when someone is suppose to be paying the bills for a dependent elder
• Placement in nursing home or residential care facility which is not commensurate with alleged size of estate
• Lack of amenities, such as TV, personal grooming items, appropriate clothing, that the estate can well afford
• Checks signed in handwriting not resembling older person's or signed when older person cannot write
• Missing personal belongings such as art, silverware or jewelry
• Deliberate isolation of an older adult which results in the caregiver having total control
• Caregivers or relatives who are dependent on elder for money orhousing

Elder Abuse Prevention: A Consortium Serving Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
1000 Macdonald Avenue, Suite C
Richmond, CA.   94801